Desoto Pond Dam

PEACE RIVER· DeSoto, Florida· Built 1969· Earth· 13 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Desoto Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Florida. It was completed in 1969 and is 57 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 13 ft (taller than 24.8% in FL)
Dam Length5,800 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage228 acre-ft
Normal Storage152 acre-ft
Surface Area18 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge85 cfs
Year Completed1969 (57 years old)
NID IDFL00439

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: FDEP

Ownership

SWFWMD

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Desoto Pond Dam?

Desoto Pond Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Desoto Pond Dam?

Desoto Pond Dam is owned by SWFWMD (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Desoto Pond Dam built?

Desoto Pond Dam was completed in 1969, making it 57 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Desoto Pond Dam?

Desoto Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Desoto Pond Dam?

Desoto Pond Dam has a dam height of 13 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.